The Commissioner for Sports Development, Enugu State, Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu, has promised that the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged Coal City Games Enugu 2026, will surpass the Gateway Games 2024 in quality and organisation.
Speaking in Abeokuta during the closing day of the 22nd edition of the sports festival, Ekweremadu praised Ogun State for raising the bar and assured that Enugu is poised to take the festival to even greater heights.
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“The Gateway Games 2024 has indeed raised the bar, but Enugu will take it a level higher to deliver what will be the best National Sports Festival ever,” Ekweremadu said.
“Governor Peter Mbah’s administration is fully committed to organising a world-class event that will be a reference point for many years to come.”
He revealed that Enugu already has the necessary sports infrastructure in place, with plans for renovations and upgrades where necessary. He assured athletes, officials, journalists, and fans of a safe, exciting, and unforgettable experience during the Games.
Highlighting the state’s cultural and tourism potential, the Commissioner said the Enugu State Government is working on activities that will showcase the rich heritage of the people, along with the state’s status as a leading tourism destination in Nigeria.
“Enugu is blessed with numerous historical sites that continue to attract tourists from within and outside the country. We will use the Coal City Games to further position the state as a cultural and tourism hub,” he said.
On the issue of security, Ekweremadu emphasised that Enugu is one of the safest states in the country.
“We are the only state in Africa with the highest number of security cameras. Enugu is fully covered, and our people are peace-loving and hospitable,” he added.
